Viet Nam showcases 11 innovation projects at InnoEx 2026

10:18 21/08/2026

11 innovation projects focus on solutions to prevent, collect, recycle and properly treat more than 750 tons of plastic waste, contributing to the development of a circular economy and sustainable growth.

From August 19 to 20, the InnoEx 2026 International Forum and Exhibition took place in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together domestic and international businesses, experts, investment funds and startups. As part of the event, 11 Vietnamese innovation projects showcased scalable solutions to address plastic pollution and promote sustainable development models.

Recycled products made from coffee grounds showcased at InnoEx 2026. Photo: svvn.tienphong.vn.

According to the organizers, following their pilot phase, the solutions helped prevent, collect, recycle or properly treat more than 750 tons of plastic waste. The projects also tested new approaches, including alternative materials, digital data systems, circular economy models, improved technologies and innovative financing mechanisms.

Beyond waste management, the initiatives also supported implementation of the Law on Environmental Protection and new regulations on waste and plastic management, including extended producer responsibility (EPR). Some of the solutions have also created additional employment opportunities for workers in the waste management sector.

The projects are part of the Plastics Innovation Programme (PIP), implemented by the United Nations with support from the United Nations Peace and Development Fund and The Coca-Cola Foundation.

A Coca-Cola representative said The Coca-Cola Foundation considers innovation a key driver and an essential enabler for addressing plastic waste challenges, while promoting the circular economy and sustainable development in Viet Nam.

The InnoEx 2026 network includes technology corporations such as Qualcomm, Intel and Lenovo; global companies such as AB InBev and Grab; financial and development organizations such as Rabo Foundation; innovation ecosystems from South Korea through NIPA; and many other partners. Photo: GenK.

InnoEx 2026 is themed “The Inflection Point - Where Global Shifts Fuel Business Reinvention.” The event is expected to attract more than 30,000 participants, including around 4,000 business leaders and experts, 300 exhibitors, more than 70 investment funds, and representatives from over 60 countries and territories.

The exhibition covers approximately 7,000 sq. m and brings together domestic and international exhibitors, focusing on AI, digital solutions, green technologies and solutions, fintech, and technologies for businesses.

In the startup sector, InnoEx 2026 is expected to showcase more than 130 technology projects selected from Startup Wheel, the Qualcomm Viet Nam Innovation Challenge, and programs focused on green innovation and innovation in the plastics sector.

By bringing technological solutions, new business models and green innovations into practice, InnoEx 2026 aims to connect innovation with businesses’ need to transform their growth models, thereby contributing to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Phuong Linh